Press Statement Unlikely In Cox Plate

The likelihood of a three-year-old running in the Group 1 WS Cox Plate is looking slim with Caulfield Guineas winner Press Statement declared an unlikely starter. Trainer Chris Waller said Press Statement had only a 20 per-cent chance of tackling the premier WFA race with a decision to come later this week. “He’d have to really come through the Guineas really well,” Waller said. “There’s no harm in putting him away and coming back and trying to win multiple Group 1 races in autumn.” Press Statement entered Cox Plate calculations with his dominant Guineas win, but Waller was unable to confirm the colt as a definite acceptor. “I’d say he’s a 20 percent chance,” he said. In the absence of Press Statement, Waller would be represented by the favourite Winx as well as Kermadec and Turnbull Stakes winner Preferment. Press Statement confirmed his ranking as Australia’s best middle-distance 3YO with his all-the-way Guineas win on a track much firmer than he prefers. Hinchinbrook colt Press Statement wins the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas, his second Group 1 win His win was matched by that of filly Stay With Me who took out the Group 1 Thousand Guineas in a style that emulated that of her dam the outstanding Miss Finland whose wins also included the Golden Slipper and VRC Oaks. The daughter of Street Cry came from last to win the Guineas by 1-3/4 lengths from Jamika and Badawiya.